thermovalve
 

I have a 89 560sl and need the two "thermo valves" white and red. All the sources say no longer available. anyone have a source for these parts?

I have found that when I absolutely can not find a part I find a mom and pop shop and go talk to them. Little hint: do not start by telling them what the care is if it is older. If you start by saying I have an 89... they will shut you down and they get upset. But if you go in and say "I was wondering if you can help me, I can not seem to find a part for my 89..." I use the same shop every time now when I can not find a part and they just know me. I only go to them when I have exhausted all my other sources but they are always significantly cheaper then I would have expected.

I have some of the NOS black ones in a box. I had the red ones but a well known MB classic restorer and YouTuber bought me out at $85 each. It had me scratching my head but I’m happy to take his money.

Your valves are likely good. I restored mine by carefully drilling out the tubes and JB Welding 1cm stubs of MB plastic vacuum tubes in their place. They still work well as verified with a Mity-Vac when hot. So now my smog exempt diesel has functional EGR.

In your case, yes, I get it you need your emission control system working. I’d try fixing your valves.